Starting reef pi build

[TheMetalReefs]

Thinking of starting a reef pi project. Maybe basic functions and room for expantion later. Any advice to get started? Thinking of picking up the Raspberry Pi 3 B+. Thoughts. What other essentials am I going to need to start the project. TIA

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Thinking of starting a reef pi project. Maybe basic functions and room for expantion later. Any advice to get started? Thinking of picking up the Raspberry Pi 3 B+. Thoughts. What other essentials am I going to need to start the project. TIA

Are you basing it on this?
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/r...tank-controller-based-on-raspberry-pi.289256/

 

[TheMetalReefs]

yes.

 

[sharkbait-uhaha]

Been wanting to do this myself for some time now just never really locked deep into it

 

[TheMetalReefs]

Been wanting to do this myself for some time now just never really locked deep into it

Looks a bit daunting but would be pretty cool to do. Im making sure i have a bunch of reference material before taking the dive!

 

[XtraKargo]

I have had one operational for almost 2 years. Runs temp, outlets and top off control. I also had it set to email me alerts at one point but had a power outage muck up a chip, (just another reason to back it up!) But was able to rebuild it to just close enough quickly and haven't logged back into it. I went with a RPiZero2 since I didn't need much in the way of horsepower. I'd be willing to help if you have questions.

 

[TheMetalReefs]

I have had one operational for almost 2 years. Runs temp, outlets and top off control. I also had it set to email me alerts at one point but had a power outage muck up a chip, (just another reason to back it up!) But was able to rebuild it to just close enough quickly and haven't logged back into it. I went with a RPiZero2 since I didn't need much in the way of horsepower. I'd be willing to help if you have questions.

Thanks! Ill definitley be reaching out when i get the project going. Is there a benefit in purchasing one of the more updated pi boards (was looking at pi 3 b+) or anything other than the Pi zero W would be overkill?

 

[XtraKargo]

Thanks! Ill definitley be reaching out when i get the project going. Is there a benefit in purchasing one of the more updated pi boards (was looking at pi 3 b+) or anything other than the Pi zero W would be overkill?

Just any you can find at your price point is fine. The Zero2 was less than half a 3b+ at the time, and was able to connect wirelessly to my network.

 

[Broady2067]

Looks a bit daunting but would be pretty cool to do. Im making sure i have a bunch of reference material before taking the dive!

if i can do this anyone can. Lol

 

[TheMetalReefs]

if i can do this anyone can. Lol

whoa! what am looking at lol?! the unit on the left would be the pi boards, yeah? what is the unit on the right?

 

[Broady2067]

whoa! what am looking at lol?! the unit on the left would be the pi boards, yeah? what is the unit on the right?

The one on the right holds the pi4b+, 10 relays for the outlets, two temp probes, 4 pwm sockets.

 

[Broady2067]

 

[TheMetalReefs]

Anyone ever heard or used the Robo-Tank aquarium controller. Looks like alot of the groundwork is done and assembled. Thoughts?

Reef-pi DIY Aquarium Controller Hardware Hat, Automate your Reef Tank

The Robo-Tank DIY aquarium controller is a high quality reef-pi hardware solution. Fully customizable aquarium controller for your saltwater, freshwater or reef tank. DIY or Plug and Play kits available, automate your reef tank keeping your fishy friends safe and happy for years to come.

www.robo-tank.ca

 

[Broady2067]

Anyone ever heard or used the Robo-Tank aquarium controller. Looks like alot of the groundwork is done and assembled. Thoughts?

Reef-pi DIY Aquarium Controller Hardware Hat, Automate your Reef Tank

The Robo-Tank DIY aquarium controller is a high quality reef-pi hardware solution. Fully customizable aquarium controller for your saltwater, freshwater or reef tank. DIY or Plug and Play kits available, automate your reef tank keeping your fishy friends safe and happy for years to come.

www.robo-tank.ca

It is supposed to be very good.

 

[biznatch]

I have the full setup + sensor extension on my 135g / 30g sump (freshwater). Everything is fully automated including water changes, dosing, PH/CO2 etc.

 

[shcrimps]

no clue what all this is about honestly but looks cool, gonna look into all this

 

[TheMetalReefs]

I have the full setup + sensor extension on my 135g / 30g sump (freshwater). Everything is fully automated including water changes, dosing, PH/CO2 etc.

Im sold lol!

 

[ryangonzalezrz]

I'm starting my project and I have some questions. The reef-pi is still under development or has been stopped, as the last update I saw was from 2022. What is the best operating system to run the reef-pi and which version. I'm not sure if there is an interface update available that has significantly changed and improved the reef-pi standard

 

[XtraKargo]

I'm starting my project and I have some questions. The reef-pi is still under development or has been stopped, as the last update I saw was from 2022. What is the best operating system to run the reef-pi and which version. I'm not sure if there is an interface update available that has significantly changed and improved the reef-pi standard

I loaded it on top of Raspian. Which ever version was the lite (Limited OS since there is not a lot of overhead to run in the back ground.) Then Followed the instruction on the Adafruit site. That was enough to get me going. You do want to be mindful if you are using a Pi Zero or another version since they did have to different file systems. Good luck!

 

[ryangonzalezrz]

I loaded it on top of Raspian. Which ever version was the lite (Limited OS since there is not a lot of overhead to run in the back ground.) Then Followed the instruction on the Adafruit site. That was enough to get me going. You do want to be mindful if you are using a Pi Zero or another version since they did have to different file systems. Good luck!

Thank you very much, I didn't know there was a version for each raspberry. I will start my project as soon as possible.

I bought a HAT prototyping board for the Raspberry Pi, but it doesn't come with the EEPROM chip. I wanted to know if, without this chip, the board isn't suitable for the project?

This is my card